Laboratory Technology (Science) |
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Laboratory Techniques
Certificate IV (PML40104)
What is the course all about?
Technical assistants undertake a wide range of sampling and testing according to established procedures, requiring the application of a broad technical knowledge and some scientific knowledge. They form part of the quality assurance team in the laboratory but could assist other personnel in the workplace with technical problems such as adjusting formulations. They may also assist shift operators to undertake samples collection or perform basic testing to the standard required.
Who should enrol in this qualification?
- Those with incomplete University studies seeking qualification
- Existing laboratory workers seeking qualification
- Existing laboratory workers who have some units, and now seek an entire qualification
- Those seeking preparatory science training before entering University studies
- Those who hold or are enrolled in a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills qualification
- Those who wish to complete one or more units as professional development without gaining the full qualification
Do I need any skills?
Laboratory Operations students are expected to read, interpret and develop Standard Operating Procedures and workplace documents, present and record information in a range of formats according to enterprise requirements, and apply a range of skills in various situations.
Advice about the underlying level of English language, literacy, numeracy and computer skills required to meet the outcomes of Laboratory Operations Training Package (PML04) units will be made clear prior to commencement of the learning and/or assessment process. Students who have difficulty meeting these requirements will be provided with advice and options that are available to meet these appropriate language, literacy, numeracy and computer skills.
The application of technology in a laboratory environment leads to the use of complex cognitive skills in planning, research, interpretation, analysis and synthesis. These skills will be developed during the progress of the course.
How long will it take?
Hobart City Campus |
Full-time 1 year (part-time equiv.)
(Can be studied concurrently with Certificate III Laboratory Skills)
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| Launceston Alanvale Campus |
Full-time 1 year (part-time equiv.)
(Can be studied concurrently with Certificate III Laboratory Skills)
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Where can I learn?
Hobart City Campus - Level 5, 75 Campbell Street
Launceston Alanvale Campus - Alanvale Road
How will I learn?
You will be provided with a variety of ways to gain underpinning knowledge, which are discussed and negotiated prior to enrolment. Options will include:
- Classroom environment at TAFE Tasmania with teacher support, which may include learning guides and reading material
- Workplace laboratory with self-paced learning guides and reading material
- When appropriate, self-paced learning guides and reading material are available for students
You will be provided with a variety of ways to gain practical skills, which are discussed and negotiated prior to enrolment. Options will include:
- Simulated laboratory environment at TAFE Tasmania with teacher support and demonstrations. Students learn to conduct the activities described in:
- Laboratory Training Manuals
- Industry Standard Operating Procedures
- Industry work placement to gain vocational experience, as well as to build networks within the laboratory industry.
- Workplace laboratories with mentor support as students perform routine laboratory activities appropriate to their employment.
How will I be assessed?
As a student, you are entitled to negotiate the assessment pathway (i.e. training or recognition) with your teacher at any time prior to or after enrolment.
You will be provided with a variety of ways to assess underpinning knowledge, which are discussed and negotiated prior to enrolment. Options will include:
- Written tests (an open book environment is often used)
- Presentations to class and teachers to assess units of competency such as communication skills and technical understanding
- Written assignments, projects and reports
- Written and/or oral questions and answers within the workplace environment
- Workplace based assessments conducted in the workplace by supervisors who have the required vocational competencies and qualifications.
You will be provided with a variety of ways to assess practical skills, which are discussed and negotiated prior to enrolment. Options will include:
- Observation and discussion. You will be observed by an assessor while you complete practical activities.
- Self-assessment. You will be asked to assess your practical activity against the standards set out in the unit and explained to you as good laboratory practice.
- Completed laboratory manual. These manuals include a variety of assessments such as written questions and answers, recording of observations and data and calculations to achieve test results
- Workplace based assessments conducted in the workplace by supervisors who have the required vocational competencies and qualifications.
Recognition is the assessment of those competencies currently held, regardless of how, when, or where the learning occurred.
You will be provided with a variety of ways to receive recognition of current competence, which are discussed and negotiated prior to enrolment. Options will include:
- Practical demonstrations of skills
- An evidence portfolio which may contain:
- Testimonials from employers/associates
- Formal statements of results
- Evidence of qualification
What other study or career options are available?
Further study or career options may include:
- Enrolment in the Diploma of Laboratory Operations
- Possible entry points and career paths for technical officer
What Competencies will I undertake?
To be awarded a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques PML40104, competency must be achieved in a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, consisting of:
- all five (5) core units
- eleven (11) elective units
The elective units must include:
- a minimum of five (5) units from the PML 400 series units, including at least one (1) of the PML 400 series units shown in italics in the list of electives below.
- a maximum of four (4) units from the PML 300 series
- a maximum of three (3) units from the PML 500 series
- a maximum of three (3) relevant units from the other endorsed Training Packages. For example, the BSZ units listed below as electives would count for two of these three units.
NOTE: Units marked with (*) have prerequisites. See individual units for details.
Core Units
- PMLCOM300B Communicate with other people
- PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data
- PMLOHS400A Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety
- PMLORG301A Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
- PMLQUAL401B Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
Elective Units
- PMLMAIN300B Maintain the laboratory fit for purpose
- PMLOHS301B Work safely with instruments that omit ionising radiation
- PMLQUAL300B Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
- PMLQUAL301B Apply critical control point requirements
- PMLSAMP302A Receive and prepare samples for testing
- PMLSCIG300B Operate basic hand blowing equipment
- PMLSCIG301B Repair glass apparatus using simple glass blowing equipment
- PMLTEST300B Perform basic tests
- PMLTEST303B Prepare working solutions
- PMLTEST304B Prepare culture media
- PMLTEST305B Perform aseptic techniques
- PMLTEST306B Assist with fieldwork
- PMLTEST307B Prepare trial batches for evaluation
- PMLTEST308A Perform microscopic examination
- PMLTEST310A Perform histological procedures
- PMLCAL400A Perform standard calibrations
- PMLMAIN400A Maintain and control stocks
- PMLORG400A Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations
- PMLQUAL400B Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP plans
- PMLSAMP400B Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
- PMLSAMP401A Prepare mineral samples for analysis
- PMLTEST402B Prepare, standardise and use solutions
- PMLTEST403B Assist with geotechnical site investigations
- PMLTEST404A Perform chemical tests and procedures
- PMLTEST405A Perform food tests *
- PMLTEST406A Perform physical tests
- PMLTEST407A Perform biological procedures *
- PMLTEST408A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring
- PMLTEST409A Capture and manage scientific images
- PMLTEST410A Undertake environmental field-based, remote-sensing monitoring
- PMLTEST411A Perform mechanical tests
- PMLTEST412A Prepare tissue and cell cultures *
- PMLCAL500A Perform non-standard calibrations *
- PMLCAL501A Create or modify calibration procedures *
- PMLCAL502A Create or modify automated calibration procedures *
- PMLCOM500B Provide information to customers
- PMLDATA500B Analyse data and report results *
- PMLDATA501B Use laboratory application software
- PMLMAIN501B Assist in the maintenance of reference materials
- PMLMAIN502A Maintain instruments and equipment
- PMLORG500B Schedule laboratory work for a small team
- PMLQUAL500A Monitor the quality of test results and data *
- PMLSCIG501B Design the manufacture of glass apparatus and glass systems *
- PMLSCIG502B Perform glass coating, grinding and finishing operations *
- PMLSCIG503B Construct, modify and maintain high vacuum system *
- PMLTEST501B Perform microbiological tests *
- PMLTEST502B Perform haematological tests *
- PMLTEST503B Perform histological tests *
- PMLTEST504B Perform chemical pathology tests *
- PMLTEST505B Conduct sensory analysis
- PMLTEST509B Perform immunohaematological tests *
- PMLTEST511B Supervise earthoworks inspection, sampling and testing operations *
- PMLTEST512A Apply electrophoretic techniques *
- PMLTEST513A Apply routine chromatographic techniques *
- PMLTEST514A Perform fire assay techniques *
- PMLTEST515A Design and supervise complex environmental field surveys *
- PMLTEST516A Provide input to production trials *
- PMLTEST517A Perform tissue and cell culture techniques *
- PMLTEST518A Perform molecular biology tests and procedures *
- PMLTEST519A Prepare animal and plant material for display *
- PMLTEST520A Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials *
- PMLTEST521A Perform laboratory based ecological techniques *
- PMLTEST522A Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials *
- PMLTEST523A Apply complex instrumental techniques *
- PMLTEST524A Apply routine spectrometric techniques *
- PMLTEST525A Apply routine electrometric techniques *
- PMLTEST526A Perform food analysis *
- BSZ404A Train small groups
Imported Units
(To ensure that no qualification in this Training Package has an excessive training and assessment focus, the completion of the following three units will only be counted as one (1) elective (Workplace Assessor) in PML04.
- BSZ401A Plan assessment
- BSZ402A Conduct assessment
- BSZ403A Review assessment
2008 Fees
You'll be surprised at how affordable TAFE Tasmania is - most courses have a cap of $990 for one calendar year of training ($275 with concession). You do not pay HECS. Additional costs may apply to some courses for uniforms, licenses or text books.
Concessions … apply to students in receipt of, or dependant of a person in receipt of Centrelink benefits (e.g. Austudy, Abstudy, Youth Allowance, New Start, Pension, Parenting Payment etc.).
For more details on fees please call 1300 655 307.
Assessment Validation Process
Moderation and validation of the learning and assessment strategy is conducted at least annually through the members of the Enterprise Reference Group and TAFE Tasmania’s Laboratory Operations staff.
Assessment processes, tools and evidence are reviewed, compared and evaluated at least annually by TAFE Tasmania’s Laboratory Operations staff, and where appropriate, involvement of the members of the Enterprise Reference Group.
Consultation
A range of cross-industry employers from both the public and the private sector were consulted in the development of this Learning & Assessment Strategy.
Delivery Team Details
Or call the TAFE Tasmania HOTLINE: 1300 655 307
Last Updated
Thursday, 29 May 2008 (B)
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